celebration-of-the-life-of-eric-williamsshi-heng-mi

Celebration of the life of Eric Williams, Shi Heng Mi

On June 6th 2009, students and disciples came together to celebrate the life of Eric Steven Williams ( Shi Heng Mi ).

Eric Steven Williams was born on September 14, 1953 to Samuel Arthur Williams and Ruth Andelman in Jackson Heights, New York. Eric attended PS. 188 and the Henley School in Jamaica Estates, NY. Upon graduation Eric attended Princeton University & Columbia University. As a result of his studies Eric earned three degrees, a Bachelor of Science, M.S. and Ed.M.

Eric’s career spanned both education and financial fields. Eric’s love for education and working with young people brought him back to The Linden School, I.S. #192 where he was a student. Eric returned to teach and coach a stellar basketball team while he attended New York Law School in the evenings. Eric encouraged another young teacher whom had also attended The Linden School to join him in developing an afternoon sports program and start a cheerleading team. The teacher who joined him was Teresa, the love of his life and they married on April 10th, 1982 at Trinity Lutheran Church in St. Albans, New York. This union produced three beautiful children, Justin Alexander, Zoie Alyse and Anastasia Elyse.

Eric forged a career of over two decades on Wall Street and held numerous executive positions including his last as First Vice President of Investments at Merrill Lynch which he joined this past September. Previously Eric was a Senior Vice President of Wealth Management with Citi Smith Barney, a senior vice president and partner at Oppenheimer & Co. Eric had more than 25 years of experience managing short-term portfolios for large endowments and corporate clients.

Eric was a member of The Princeton Club of New York and on the advisory board of the Association of Black Princeton Alumni, he was a member of The American Friends of the Jamaica, spoke annually at the Caribbean American Leadership Dialogue for the Institute of Caribbean Studies and was a Director of Trinidad Dry Dock Company. Eric was involved with numerous Caribbean and Native American business and government initiatives.

Eric was known for having a kind and generous heart. He always had time to have fun in addition to all his hard work. He loved all types of sports but especially basketball and working out at the gym. Eric attended the USA Shaolin Temple where his love of martial arts was cultivated. He was an avid historian, an advocate for young people people who wanted to pursue higher education. He enjoyed reading the Bible and the Torah. Eric was a member of the Temple Emanuel in New York City and attended Congregational Church of Manhasset and The Riverside Church in New York City.